5-star LB wants Richt, staff to stay

Class of 2017 Vidalia, Ga. linebacker Nate McBride has been strongly considering committing to Georgia, but the recent rash of rumors surrounding Mark Richt and his staff has caused him to hold off - at least for now. McBride is now speaking out, hoping his opinion might influence the decision makers at UGA to keep Richt and his staff in place.

"I want Coach Richt to stay because he's done a lot of great things with the program," McBride said. "I really don't think it would be fair for him to leave because he's still working on the program. It takes time; patience is everything and just because they haven't gotten there yet, doesn't mean it couldn't happen as soon as next year. He's had success every year and I think that will continue if he stays."

But McBride didn't stop there, adding that he wants the defensive staff, including coordinator Jeremy Pruitt and linebackers coach Mike Ekeler, to stay as well.

"I want them all to stay, I want to play for all three of them," McBride said. "I have been keeping him touch with Coach Ekeler and Coach Pruitt and they haven't told me anything about their future."

I'm really starting to think about my commitment decision and I know I won't be committing to Georgia if the defensive staff or richt is gon- donkeiii (@nmcbride13) November 29, 2015

So why did McBride, who claims the Bulldogs and Alabama as his top two decide to speak out now?

"It might be a shot in the dark but I'm just trying to make my voice heard," McBride said. "There's probably more recruits than just me that feel this way but it's just my opinion. It might be a shot in the dark, it might be a job-saving thing. I don't know but I didn't want to keep quiet anymore."

Both of McBride's top two schools could see coaching staff turnover. He said that if his primary recruiter at Alabama, defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, leaves for a head-coaching job, that could also change his recruitment.

"I'll see if he leaves and I'll consider whatever school he ends up at because we have that relationship," McBride said of Smart.

McBride missed his junior season after being injured in a car accident prior to the season. With his plans to commit now on hold, McBride said he will try to take a few visits during bowl practices and see how the coaching changes shake out.

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